All things FamilyTreeDNA and genealogy.

How did researchers confirm Michael Jackson's paternal ancestry without his DNA? Sherman McRae explains the Big Y-700 test that revealed an unexpected French Huguenot connection.

If a DNA test reveals an unexpected family connection, you may feel pressure to act quickly. This article offers supportive guidance for processing the discovery, seeking help, and approaching first contact carefully.

Learn what an NPE is, how unexpected DNA results can happen, and where to find support after a DNA surprise, adoption, or donor conception discovery.

FamilyTreeDNA’s Y-DNA haplotree includes over 100,000 branches and 860,000 variants — the most detailed paternal ancestry map in the world. Each month, we update this post with the latest growth stats, haplogroup insights, and tools to help you explore your place in history.

A detailed look at the world’s largest mtDNA haplotree, how it continues to grow and refine, and what recent updates reveal about maternal ancestry and population history.

A chance connection through a Group Project helped identify an unknown WWII sailor after 80 years using an mtDNA haplogroup.

Learn how mtDNA haplogroups are named and how to interpret your mtDNA results to trace your direct maternal ancestry.

What can mitochondrial DNA tell you about your ancestry? Learn how mtDNA is inherited and how it helps trace your maternal line.

Learn how mtDNA can help you trace your maternal line, confirm relationships, and uncover ancestors when traditional records fall short.

Learn how to use mtDNA results with practical tips, tools, and strategies to trace your maternal ancestry and improve your genealogy research.